MX2

This evening at the Fiat Professional MXGP of Belgium in Lommel, Mark Finley, Global Motocross Category Director at FOX hosted the MX18 presentation for FOX Head Europe. MX18 product line is available now worldwide.

FOX and HRC athletes Michele Cervellin, Jed Beaton, Tim Gajser, and Evgeny Bobryshev joined Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Gautier Paulin in the presentation as they will debut the 2018 gear in Lommel this weekend. 

Continuing the relentless pursuit to innovate and elevate, Fox’s key stories for 2018 include the new Magnetic Visor Release System (MVRS) and the progressively designed 180 Boot. Both of these additions to the 2018 product line direct align with Fox Racing’s overall plan of continued development and growth not only in racewear, but in hardgoods as well.

MVRS technology comes as a standard feature on all 2018 V3 helmets. This patent pending feature is a completely new approach to managing rotational forces in the event of a crash. As opposed to traditional visors that are attached with screws, MVRS incorporates a magnetic system directly into the helmet shell that enables the visor to resist roost, but release freely in the event of a crash.

“Current helmet certification testing removes the visor before conducting any impact tests and that was an area we really wanted to study. After years of analyzing collected crash data and reviewing real world crash situations, our engineers felt visor technology could evolve. MVRS is the next design approach to the evolution of the modern day motocross helmet.” said Mark Finley, Global Motocross Category Director.

“Starting at the opening of the 2017 race season, select Fox athletes including Ryan Dungey, Ken Roczen, Chad Reed, Tim Gajser & Evgeny Bobryshev have been racing with our V3 helmets equipped with MVRS. Unfortunately, Ken Roczen’s season ended in a horrific crash at Anaheim II Supercross.  As everyone witnessed during the moment of impact, his visor immediately popped off when his helmet made contact with the dirt. At that precise moment, we saw MVRS do what it was intended to do.” said Chris Onstott, Global Sports Marketing Director.

In addition this year, Fox will also launch the all-new 180 Boot. This new offering was developed with the legendary Ricky Carmichael and takes cues from the championship proven Instinct Boot. The 180 Boot features an industry first silicone closure system on the shin plate and floating cuff system to provide lateral support and prevent hyperextension. Combined with TPU construction throughout and a durable rubber medial & burn guard, the 180 Boot offers superior comfort and function at an aggressive price point.

Back and better than ever for 2018 is Fox’s high performance focused Flexair racewear. First making its debut in 2015, Flexair has become known as the industry standard in performance function, rider comfort and overall appearance.

The 2018 Flexair pant features new knee construction for a focused fit, elimination of the internal liner to reduce weight and heat and a rigid waist design to keep the pant in place on the rider. The jersey boasts taped shoulder and chest seams to reduce chaffing, laser perforation for advanced venting and a new cuff construction for a slim, unrestricted fit.

The all-new 2018 Honda CRF250R was unveiled today at the Fiat Professional MXGP of Belgium by Honda’s Team HRC factory riders Tim Gajser, Evgeny Bobryshev, Michele Cervellin and Jed Beaton. Joining them for the reveal were HRC’s General Manager for MXGP Roger Harvey and Honda Motor Europe’s Off-Road Manager Gordon Crockard.

Inheriting the ‘Absolute Holeshot’ philosophy of the CRF450R, the all-new 2018 CRF250R is set to make a statement in the ultra-competitive 250 class – from amateur racing to MX2. It features a brand new DOHC engine, making 9% more peak power across a 2000rpm broader rpm range, with a 900rpm increase to the redline figure for more over-rev. The new, lighter 7^th generation frame and Showa suspension make maximum use of the increased power, providing both outstanding traction and Honda’s famed rider-friendly agile handling.

Honda also announced that, having tested the bike extensively in Japan, Team HRC MX2 rider Michele Cervellin will be racing the new CRF250RW for the first time in the Monster Energy MXGP of USA in September.

Joining the new CRF250R, and completing the CRF line-up, were the machine’s siblings:  the CRF150R, as used in the one-make Honda 150 European Championship, which is also racing this weekend in Lommel, and the 2018 CRF450R and CRF450RX. All the new machines will be on public display throughout the weekend at the Fiat Professional MXGP of Belgium in Lommel.

Mr M.Uchiyama, Large Project Leader: “Honda’s new CRF250R has been redesigned to achieve outstanding hole shot start acceleration AND much greater engine performance over a lap”

Gordon Crockard, Honda Motor Europe Off-Road Manager: “The 2017 CRF450R was launched last year in Assen and immediately started winning, and we hope that this new CRF250R will follow in its bigger brother’s footsteps. There is a lot of interest in racing this new bike already for next year, so I am sure it will be a success. It’s great to be able to present it to the European media at an MXGP round, and even better to bring together the whole family with the CRF150R and the CRF450R – taking kids from the start of their careers in the Honda 150 European Championship right the way through the ranks to the MXGP World Championship 450 class, with wins at every step of the way.”

Full 2018 CRF250R product specifications: www.hondanews.eu

Yamaha Motor Europe is pleased to confirm that Jeremy Van Horebeek will remain on the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing team for a fifth consecutive year, through 2018.

Twenty-seven-year-old Jeremy Van Horebeek has been a force to be reckoned with inside the MXGP World Championship for a number of years. The YZ450FM mounted rider was the 2014 MXGP Vice-World Champion in his second year inside the premier class, and since then has been striving to go one better and take the crown.

Labelled as a 'top-5' guy due to consistent top-5 finishes, Van Horebeek has put in some solid rides this season and has landed on the podium twice. His first podium appearance in 2017 was in Argentina at round three of the series where he finished second overall, which he followed up with a third overall at round six in the sand of The Netherlands.

The Belgian ace is currently eighth in the MXGP championship standings after missing two rounds due to a broken finger.

Erik Eggens, Yamaha Motor Europe MX Racing Manager: "It's a great thing to have Jeremy racing a YZ450FM for the fifth year in a row. He is a 'top-five' guy, and is always a threat for the podium. Jeremy has been riding at a very high level for many years and I believe that his riding style is a perfect match for the all-new 2018 YZ450FM and that with this bike he can achieve everything he wants to achieve. Jeremy has been a pleasure to work with over the last years, everything is working well within the Factory team which is another reason we are thrilled to extend his contract. We are really looking forward to seeing him finish this season strong after suffering from a hand injury for the last six weeks, and we are even more excited for the new season and seeing what 'Jerre' can do with the new bike."

Jeremy Van Horebeek, Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing rider: : "After four years together, it is really cool to stay with Yamaha for another year. For the last few years we have been really close to the top, and I know that when I am healthy I can fight for a podium position every weekend. I have a really good feeling inside the team and on the YZ450FM, these guys are like my family. The team, the mechanics and the staff all work really hard to stay at a high level and it is really cool that they put their trust in me. I am looking forward to having a good winter with the team and lining up strong and ready to fight for the championship in 2018."

(LOMMEL) Belgium, 4 August 2017 - The future of motocross raced in Estonia last weekend at the beautiful track of Lange Motokeskus in Tartu, Estonia, for the 2017 FIM Junior Motocross World Championship.

Today, on Friday, the 4th of August, a special feature focused on the event, 44 Minutes Behind the Gate, will be released worldwide on MXGP-TV by clicking HERE. The program will also air in Europe on Motorsport TV, Finland on MTV3, Croatia on Kreator TV, Slovenia on Sport TV, France on La Chaine l’Equipe, Spain on Open Sport, both South America and Asia on FOX SPORTS, and the middle east on BeIn.

As additional coverage CBS Sports network will broadcast the 44 minutes program for American fans on August, the 20^th at 6:00 pm EST (3.00pm PST).

Don’t miss your shot to get behind the gate with the best young racers in the world, tune in to watch Junior World Champions Gianluca Facchetti and Eddie Wade, the FIM 65cc World Cup winner Ivano Van Erp, and much more this Friday, August 4th. 

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

FIM Junior MX World Championship

(LOMMEL) Belgium, 4 August 2017 - The FIM World Motocross Championship is in Lommel, Belgium for the 2017 Fiat Professional MXGP of Belgium. The deep sand of Lommel will certainly test even the fiercest competitors. Only 5 rounds remain in the championship after this weekend and the time is now for anyone to challenge the two Red Bull KTM Factory Racing championship leaders Antonio Cairoli and Pauls Jonass. Last year it was Suzuki World MXGP’s Kevin Strijbos with the MXGP overall and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Max Anstie taking MX2.

This edition of the Belgian GP will receive normal television coverage from its traditional partners including Belgium’s TELENET, who also broadcasts the entire MXGP season live, and as usual the GP will be available LIVE to everyone worldwide from Lommel on www.MXGP-TV.com both days.

Plus you can always watch MXGP’s 26min Behind the Gate in Europe on motorsport.tv & MotorTrend two days after each round of the MXGP series. It can also be viewed in the USA/Canada on BeIn and MAV TV, Finland on MTV 3, Croatia on Kreator TV, South America on FOX Sports, Asia on FOX Sports, China on Fox Sports and SINA, and the Middle East and Africa on BeIn.

Check the guides below to find out how you can watch the Fiat Professional MXGP of Belgium:

USA- CANADA

CBS Sports Network

Sunday 6 August  – MX2 Race 2 – 2:00 pm EST (11.00 am PST) Delayed

Sunday 6 August  – MXGP Race 2  – 03:00 pm EST (12.00 pm PST) Delayed

EUROPE

EUROSPORT 2

Sunday 6 August  – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET time – Live

Motorsport.tv

Sunday 6 August  – MX2 Race 1 – 13:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 6 August  – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 6 August  – MX2 Race 2 – 16:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 6 August  – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET time – Live

BELGIUM

PLAY SPORTS  2

Sunday 6 August  – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 6 August  – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET time – Live

ÉÉN

Sunday 6 August  – MXGP Races highlights – 17:15 Sportza Zondag

BULGARIA

BNT HD

Sunday 6 August – MX2 Race 2 – 17:00 Bulgaria time - Live

Sunday 6 August – MXGP Race 2 – 18:00 Bulgaria time  - Live

FRANCE

EUROSPORT 2

Sunday 6 August  – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET time – Live

Motorsport.tv

Sunday 6 August  – MX2 Race 1 – 13:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 6 August  – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 6 August  – MX2 Race 2 – 16:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 6 August  – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET time – Live

LA CHAINE L’EQUIPE

Sunday 6 August – MX2 Race 2 – 16:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 6 August – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET time – Live

ITALY

RAI Sports

Thursday 10 August – MXGP Race 2 –18:00 – Delayed

SLOVENIA 

Sport TV1

Sunday 6 August  – MX2 Race 1 – 13:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 6 August  – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 6 August  – MX2 Race 2 – 16:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 6 August  – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET time – Live

SPAIN

Open Sport

Sunday 6 August  – MX2 Race 1 – 13:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 6 August  – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 6 August  – MX2 Race 2 – 16:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 6 August  – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET time – Live

UK

Motorsport.tv

Sunday 6 August  – MX2 Race 1 – 12:00 GMT time – Live

Sunday 6 August  – MXGP Race 1 – 13:00 GMT time – Live

Sunday 6 August  – MX2 Race 2 – 15:00 GMT time – Live

Sunday 6 August  – MXGP Race 2 – 16:00 GMT time – Live

BRAZIL

BANDSPORTS

Sunday 6 August – MXGP Race 1 –  11:00 Brazilian time - Delayed

Sunday 6 August – MXGP Race 2 –  12:00 Brazilian time - Delayed

MIDDLE EAST – AFRICA

BEIN

Sunday 6 August  – MX2 Race 1 – 13:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 6 August  – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 6 August  – MX2 Race 2 – 16:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 6 August  – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET time – Live

ASIA

FOX SPORTS 3

Monday 7 August – MX2 Race 1 – 08:00 Asia time – Delayed

Monday 7 August – MXGP Race 1 – 09:00 Asia time – Delayed

Monday 7 August – MX2 Race 2 – 11:00 Asia time – Delayed

Monday 7 August – MXGP Race 2 – 12:00 Asia time – Delayed

CHINA

STAR Sports 2 China

Monday 7 August – MX2 Race 1 – 08:00 Asia time – Delayed

Monday 7 August – MXGP Race 1 – 09:00 Asia time – Delayed

Monday 7 August – MX2 Race 2 – 11:00 Asia time – Delayed

Monday 7 August – MXGP Race 2 – 12:00 Asia time – Delayed

MXGP will be available across the board in high definition and is also globally available to view live and in HD on MXGP-TV.com. Here below the MXGP-TV LIVE Program and by clicking here you can check the complete list of countries and cooperating MXGP broadcasting networks

All the photos of the Fiat Professional MXGP of Belgium will be available here

TIMETABLE

Saturday: EMX125 Group 1 Free/Timed Practice 08:00; EMX125 Group 2 Free/Timed Practice 08:45; EMX300 Free/Timed Practice 09:30; EMX150 Free/Timed Practice 10:15; MX2 Free Practice 11:30; MXGP Free Practice 12:00; EMX125 Last Chance 13:10; EMX300 Race 1 13:40; MX2 Time Practice 14:15; MXGP Time Practice 14:45; EMX150 Race 1 15:25; MX2 Qualifying Race 16:25; MXGP Qualifying Race 17:10; EMX125 Race 1 17:55.

Sunday: EMX300 Race 2 08:40; EMX150 Race 2 09:45; MX2 Warm up 10:25, MXGP Warm up 10:45; EMX125 Race 2 11:30; MX2 Race 1 13:15; MXGP Race 1 14:15; MX2 Race 2 16:10; MXGP Race 2 17:10

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

Fiat Professional MXGP of Belgium

Youthstream proudly supported the ‘Motocross loved Bozhenka’ charity project recently. The project is part of an effort to raise funds to cover the medical costs of Bozhenka, a MXGP fan that suffers from a rare illness.

When Youthstream heard of the charity auction not only were 4 VIP paddock passes for any MXGP event donated, but Bozhenka and her family were treated to the MXGP experience at the MXGP of Czech Republic in Loket.

Youthstream is happy to have provided the experience and donation for such a worthy cause, Youthstream’s motocross family wishes the best to Bozhenka.

After completing a one-day training camp, the Honda 150 European Championship riders are ready to tackle Lommel, this weekend (5-6 August), for the third round in the 2017 season.

The mid-season training camp took place yesterday at Honda Park, Olmen, just 18km from Lommel. The Honda Park sand track is perfect to help the 11-14 year olds get to grips with the tricky surface ahead of what is one of the toughest races in the MXGP calendar.

The CRF150R riders were also able to practice their starts in the sand, work on technique and skills that they might not be able to in a racing environment, whilst also benefitting from the guidance of Honda Motor Europe’s Off-Road Manager Gordon Crockard.

Heading into this weekend’s round, where the ‘talent of tomorrow’ will tackle the notoriously deep sand of Lommel, Andrea Adamo currently leads the championship standings by eight points.

However, the battle is close behind the young Italian with Sweden’s Anton Nordstrom Graaf and Portugal’s Luis Outeiro only separated by one point.

The youth talent will take to the track for Free Practice at 10hrs15 on Saturday (5 August) before Race One at 15hrs25, with Race Two following on Sunday (6 August) at 09hrs45 (all times CEST).

Andrea Adamo

“I enjoyed a lot the day at the training camp at Honda Park, getting back on the bike again and getting ready for Lommel. We had good sessions and I feel ready for this weekend. The sand is different between the two tracks, but I’m feeling good and looking forward to the race!”

Gordon Crockard

“The training camp is all about providing a great opportunity for riders and parents to learn. We try to deliver them the best chance to learn and have fun and feel part of the family. It’s great to see the competition on track but it’s also great to see, at this halfway point of the series, the riders gelling and getting on as our own community and extended family. The primary thing we look for is the ability to learn and having that right mental attitude, and we can really see the importance of this now as the championship race is tight between the top three going into Lommel this weekend, where I expect again to see some great racing.”

Copyright: Photo: Honda 150 European Championship

Sometimes things happen when least expected. Let us go back 12 months and remember a day when a Grand Prix veteran shocked the world. With a Grand Prix victory since Lierop in 2007, Suzuki Factory rider Kevin Strijbos was a man expecting nothing more than consistent results and to recover from injury.

After missing three Grand Prix’s due to injury in 2016, Strijbos was making his return at the Grand Prix of Czech Republic. Making that return 12 months ago, he scored 11-11 results for 10^th overall, and went to the next round in Lommel with his confidence down, and his expectations just as low.

Strijbos went into the Grand Prix in Lommel in 2016 with hopes of surviving. Underdone, and really not in the right place for anything less than a nice top ten finish at his home GP.

A Grand Prix victory seems as far away as his last GP victory nine years earlier. Yet, in a big surprise the Suzuki rider captured the GP.

Scoring 3-3 results, and never expecting to stand on top of the GP podium, Strijbos could once again taste the victory champagne, and celebrate. Just days before the birth of his first child the Belgian was over the moon with his win.

“My last win was 2007,” Strijbos said. “A lot of the younger guys weren’t even into GPs. I didn’t get a good start, but I rode really good and I think it is my first home GP win. It was really special, for the team, we did the special thing with the bike. Second moto I had a decent start and everyone started putting on my pit board GP winner. It was nice for my girlfriend and baby.”

“We often expected a lot in Lommel, and it never worked out, and last year we came in not expecting anything and it worked out ok. I think I am not good under pressure, and that is why I rode good in Lommel last year. I had the injury and I didn’t have much bike time, so maybe that helped a lot.”

In a rather similar situation this year, Strijbos is again coming back from injury, and having missed a handful of Grand Prix’s, he again returned at Loket, going 9-15 for 12^th overall. (It might be added it was in 2005, some 12 years ago Strijbos won his first ever Grand Prix at the Loket circuit, but for now that story is just something for the record books.)

His return this year proved to be a good day as far as getting back on the bike, and heading to Lommel with a little more confidence than in 2016.

“It was good to be back as it’s been such a long time since I did two races. I just wanted to put all my injury problems behind me and start getting back to 100% in time for the next few races.”

Now 12 months later, Strijbos cannot surely recapture that magic of 2016, and again surprise the motocross world? Or can he?

One hundred and sixtieth issue of this re-designed bi-weekly motorcycle sport magazine, tackling the latest races and issues in MXGP, MotoGP, AMA Motocross/Supercross and World Superbike as well as general motorcycling and accessories with the best blogs and photographs. In OTOR 160: KTM’s next one: Jonass; Pauls Jonass has led the MX2 championship since April and could be KTM’s sixth winner since 2008. We had a coffee with the amiable Latvian. Lights in the east: Suzuka; Steve English travels to Suzuka to digest the 40^th running of the prestigious 8 hour. Read his Blog and catch some of the images from the scene of another Yamaha win. Beyond the name: Remy Gardner; A sit-down with the determined Australian as he fights the odds in Moto2 and also chats trying to crack the exclusive GP scene that his surname once ruled. 450s: Where next? Some opinions and thoughts from technical minds and riders in MXGP as to where the development of 450cc dirtbikes could head in the years to come

Read it HERE